Killing Joke

Killing Joke

Killing Joke are a London, United Kingdom group active from 1979 to the present. They form in Notting Hill, London, in October 1978 and become one of the key UK punk, goth and industrial bands. Their early work sits in post-punk, industrial rock and industrial metal, and their sound later develops to include electronic music, synth-pop, gothic rock and alternative rock.

Line-up

The core of the group is Jaz Coleman and Geordie Walker, who are the constant members across the band’s history. Coleman performs vocals and keyboards, while Walker plays guitar. Other members associated with the band include Youth, Paul Ferguson, Paul Raven, Martin Atkins, Reza Udhin and Danny Lohner.

Style and influence

Killing Joke are widely regarded as an influence on industrial rock and related heavy styles. Their music is described as combining a tense, dark atmosphere with Coleman’s forceful vocals. Over time, the band move beyond their post-punk beginnings into heavier and more electronic territory, while retaining a confrontational edge.

Their influence reaches a wide range of later artists and bands, including Nirvana, Ministry, Amen, Lamb of God, Nine Inch Nails, Napalm Death, Amebix, Big Black, Godflesh, Tool, Prong, Metallica, Primus, Jane's Addiction, Soundgarden, Foo Fighters, Faith No More, Blacklist, Shihad and Korn, many of whom acknowledge a debt to the group.

Associated labels

The band are associated with Spinefarm Records, Zoo Entertainment and Candlelight Records.